Spring cleaning is a common tradition preceding the start of a new Lunar Year, with preparations beginning on the 26th day of the 12th lunar month, and finishing – at the very latest – before midnight on the eve of the new year (this year, that will be 11:59PM on Friday, February 9th). Whether or not you are participating in this annual cleaning ritual, lessons derived from Chinese culture have been popularized by the theory and practice of feng shui and may be useful in helping you balance your home's interior this year.

Architects and interior designers often call upon the five element theory to inform the way homes are designed, and spaces decorated. Each of the five elements – wood, fire, earth, metal and water – can be used to create a harmonious living environment.

For some, the new year marks an opportunity to evolve your home to fit your unique philosophy, reflecting your learnings from the previous year into your aesthetic preferences; your environment becoming a physical manifestation of who you are today. For others, the inverse may be true, visual enhancements to your material surroundings can offer the inspiration needed to enrich your inner life and encourage you to adopt new habits and chase new pursuits.

Whichever rings true for you, the new year is a great time to consider whether or not your space is in alignment to your current needs, and experimentation is often the only way to carve out a style of your very own!

Since cleaning is considered bad luck for the first two days of the lunar year, refrain from making any changes that involve doing laundry or changing bed sheets until after this period!

WOOD

WOOD element corresponds with spring, and yields our potential to bloom and flourish.

Start and finish each day with an elegant reminder of growth and new beginnings, welcome botanical motifs through use of print.

Lakewood Duvet Cover

Birchgrove Duvet Cover

Nairn Duvet Cover

Prose Duvet Cover

Milford Duvet Cover

Tip: Embrace the energy of this element by adopting biophillic design principles like using indoor plants, wood accents and botanical prints throughout your home. The wood element is associated with the colour green and rectangular shapes, which can be incorporated with textiles, tiles, or books.

Thayer Quilt Set

Angora Boudoir Pillow Cover in Sage

Bamboo Cotton Pillowcases in Elm (Set of 2)

FIRE

FIRE element corresponds with summer, and is responsible for passion and vitality.

For those seeking to ignite passion, look no further than red bedding. Bold and powerful, this colour is a perfect fiery addition to your space, and an effective way to spark creativity and confidence.

Chateau Duvet Cover

Lattice Ruby Quilt Set

Eucalyptus Luxe TENCEL™ Lyocell Duvet Cover in Ruby

Flannel Cotton Sheet Set in Rhubarb

Tip: This element is associated with pointed, triangular shapes. For a more subdued approach, look at incorporating red accents and geometric accents in the form of pillows, cushions and throws.

Quilted Chevron Velvet Euro Sham in Red

Round Mandarin Velvet Cushion in Red

Diamond Etched Throw in Ruby

EARTH

EARTH element is season-agnostic or late summer, symbolic of nourishment and balance.

Introduce neutral, earthy tones and nature-inspired textures into your home to harness the balanced, grounded energy of this element.

Stonehaven Duvet Cover

Elan Duvet Cover

Tip: Yellow and square shapes are associated with this element, so look for textiles that incorporate one (or both) of these characteristics. Functional and decorative home decor like cushions, furniture and artwork can also be used to tie the earth theme into your home.

Marley Cotton Quilt Set

Kenzie Cotton Quilt Set in Canary

Ribbed Chenille Square Cushion Cover in Yellow 

METAL

METAL element corresponds with fall, associations include ambition and refinement.

Luxurious fabrics and finishes with metallic accents are considered auspicious. Salute to success and celebrate the finer things in life with bedding that reflects your sharp style.

Boulevard Duvet Cover

Stella Duvet Cover

Avalon Quilt Set in Champagne

Cosmopolitan Duvet Cover

Anira Duvet Cover

Tip: White and grey are synonymous with the metal element, and circular or rounded shapes are recommended for architecture, objects and patterns.

Bamboo Cotton Sheet Set with Activated Charcoal

Frosted Shaggy Throw in Pure White

Moon Phases Pillow Talk Pillowcases

Avalon Lumbar Pillow in Silver

WATER

WATER element corresponds with winter, and gives rise to wisdom and introspection.

Embrace self-care and find a moment of repose each day with tranquil cool-toned bedding and comfortable accessories.

Tidal Duvet Cover

Danube Duvet Cover

Sicily Duvet Cover

Tip: When picking new pieces for your home, look for wavy lines and curved shapes, with blue and black symbolizing the water element.

Windward Pillow Sham

Recycled Polyester Sheet Set in Midnight

Boucle Euro Sham in Black Pearl

Happy Lunar New Year! For help finding new bedding or for questions about any of our products, including any of those featured above, be sure to reach out to our friendly team of Sleep Stylists. You can contact us online or visit us in-store, and we'll be delighted to assist you! In the unlikely instance an item is unavailable online, you may have luck finding them at a QE Home store near you (we have 75+ locations across Canada, by the way).

Wishing you all an abundant year filled with good fortune and better sleep!